The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are set to hold peace talks next week in Luanda, Angola.
A statement from Angolan President Joao Lourenco’s office confirmed that the two sides would begin “direct peace negotiations” on March 18. The talks follow months of escalating violence, including the M23’s seizure of the strategic city of Goma in January and Bukavu in February.
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While Rwanda denies supporting M23, the conflict has roots in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle for control of DRC’s mineral resources. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa claimed the talks prove they had “forced” President Felix Tshisekedi to negotiate.
The DRC government, which has yet to confirm its participation, says the conflict has claimed at least 7,000 lives since January.
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